Local Trend: Skin Whitening Products, Yay or Nay?

Skin Whitening Products: Yay or Nay?

History of Skin Whitening

Skin whitening has been an ongoing trend in most Southeast Asian countries, particularly the Philippines. Having a lighter skin than the typical brown in the Philippines has its own advantages and these views or perceptions molded by the standards of society has brought a significant influence to the Filipino culture as time goes by. Nevertheless, beyond the countless advocacies about accepting our own skin color has been circulating in the midst of our generation, having a mestiza skin will never give up and pave its way for morena skin to steal its firm and steady position on the popularity throne.

According to a published research journal entitled Sociology Compass, Professor Margaret Hunter stated that the white skin obsession which was established within the Filipino culture was influenced or brought by the Europeans who had invaded the Philippines several decades ago. Within those 333 years of Spanish colonization in the Philippines, it is clear that the Spaniards have enough time to shape the minds of the Filipinos in assuming the made up fact that they can only be average citizens in their own country. During those times, the only way for the Filipinos to be able to reach the higher segments and achieve a more superior status or part in the society is to have a lighter skin tone.

The invasion of Spain in the Philippines has brought an immense or significant impact in the Filipino culture. They have carried and delivered the idea of social hierarchy based from skin color. Thus, having dark skin is linked to the individuals in the lower class, which were the marginalized laborers who needs to work under the bright and hot rays of the sun, while the ones in the upper class were part of that position as they are either Filipinos who have a mixed race or foreign blood, and/ or who are rich enough to work hard in the daylight.

Moreover, people who are colonized can easily accept and adapt to a culture because they have established an inferiority complex that thoroughly vanished the importance of honoring and prioritizing their own local and original cultures, according to Frantz Fanon, author of Black Skins, White Masks. Ronald Hall, on the other hand, have stated that the Philippine’s history of slavery and colonialism during the Spanish Era has brought the ‘bleaching syndrome’ phenomenon to life. With this, it can be associated to the works of Dr. Jose Rizal in El Filibusterismo and Noli Me Tangere based on the character of Dona Victorina, who uses a lot of whitening cosmetic powder to be able to blend in to the crowd of the superiors.

Today, skin whitening is still a major component in the Filipino culture. This phenomenon is mainly observed on various celebrities in the Philippine media industry. Furthermore, the skin whitening trend also delivers a new profound profit for companies or business that sells whitening products or cosmetics. Though whitening products or procedures have its own varying impacts on people’s health, others are still inclined to the belief that being lighter or whiter will lead to a more improved lifestyle.

The inferiority of the skin whitening culture has been revolving around the Philippines through the years that at some point, has affected the physical and mental health of some Filipino individuals. Skin whitening might have its own health benefits, however, it can also lead to complications from the harmful effects of skin whitening or bleaching products such as poisoning from harmful chemicals, discoloration, scarring, acne, skin rashes, infections, eye irritation, and increased blood pressure that can lead to numerous life long health problems (Singson, 2017). Despite these underlying health problems, the production of skin whitening products in the Philippines can not be ceased as it was formerly implanted in the Filipino culture since then.

            On the other hand, skin whitening in the Philippines is perceived to be the key to enhance or develop the “economic opportunities, class affiliation, and social networking.” of the Filipinos as a form of aesthetic appeal (Mendoza, 2014). In addition, skin whitening is not only influenced by the involvement of the Europeans in the Philippines, thus, it was also persuaded by the colonization of Americans in 1898. Though the people in the west might be currently into skin tanning rather than whitening, the skin whitening phenomenon among Filipinos is still running its course in the field of the Philippine culture.  Filipinos might have other complex reasons or motives in lightening their skin, however, skin whitening in the Philippines can be discerningly associated on conforming to the popular culture (Singson, 2017).

            In conclusion, the culture of skin whitening has become a trend title in the Philippines. Whether it might be in groceries, drugstores, shopping malls, or local online shops, retailing or selling of products or cosmetics that are related to skin whitening can be highly observed. Regardless of its health impacts, the skin whitening procedures or processes still dominates the Filipino culture itself. Globalization and advancements might be present in the current generation, however, the belief of having a lighter complexion as a form of a label associated with the higher ranking status in the Philippines will constantly linger as long as to when it was first introduced; perpetually and steadily marked in our society in the long run.

References:

FilipiKnow. “A Brief History Of Filipinos' Obsession With White Skin.” FilipiKnow, 20 June 2017, www.filipiknow.net/filipino-obsession-white-skin/.

Singson, Francine. "Colonialsim's Role in the Success of the Filipino Skin Whitening Industry." (2017).